It is interesting that the article implies there is a bushwhack alternative to trespassing; is that for real, or is the alternate route over 5.x rock and through dense manzanita? Do you think volunteers could cut a trail through the brush?

The USFS is often not happy with people cutting trails. There is a route up the S side of Charleston Peak, NV, and the trail-less path gains about 5200', mainly through a narrow canyon. Since there is a perennial stream in the canyon, the brush is nearly impenetrable. A local fellow gathered up some volunteers to make a single, defined trail by cutting brush and cairning the route for the first 1.5 miles. Currently there are about 5 braided, eroding herdpaths. The USFS got wind of the plans, and forbade him to cut brush.

So I guess that if you want to clear a trail on USFS land, keep your plans close to the chest.

It is interesting that the article implies there is a bushwhack alternative to trespassing; is that for real, or is the alternate route over 5.x rock and through dense manzanita? Do you think volunteers could cut a trail through the brush?

The USFS is often not happy with people cutting trails. There is a route up the S side of Charleston Peak, NV, and the trail-less path gains about 5200', mainly through a narrow canyon. Since there is a perennial stream in the canyon, the brush is nearly impenetrable. A local fellow gathered up some volunteers to make a single, defined trail by cutting brush and cairning the route for the first 1.5 miles. Currently there are about 5 braided, eroding herdpaths. The USFS got wind of the plans, and forbade him to cut brush.

So I guess that if you want to clear a trail on USFS land, keep your plans close to the chest.

When I was there last Spring with Miguel (I know, who <i>wasn't</i>), we came across an older feller camped just below the snow tongue. Forgot his name, but he'd been working on the all-legal bushwhack route, cuttin' and trimmin' things into shape. The only problem as I recall is it involves some extra miles and a 2,000-foot descent. Which makes most of us want to still take our chances with DWA guard.